Ugh, Just got the gateway laptop back from best buy... I was told that my network card checked out OK. I told that that this is an intermittent problem and most likely will pass their "test" ok but still fail on me. Well I have it back at home and guess what IT STILL FAILD! When i'm transfering large files (over 2 gig) my computer will disconnect from the network randomly and sometimes not reconnect until i restart the computer. its SO annoying! So, i'm creating a complete backup copy of the HD and I'm off to best buy to argue with a manager and try to get it replaced under their lemon law. I've had it in for 3 other repairs already and this network card (once they replace it) would be the 4th and get me a new computer. I would like to see them just replace it rather then bounce the laptop back and forth for ever trying to find a problem with it. Wish me luck... Maybe i'll have a new laptop this evening

Since you are doing a full backup, this might be a good time to reformat and reinstall your OS - since the first version of windows, all the way through XP (and I'm guessing Vista), it'* been my experience that a periodic format and reinstall is required. Well, required is the wrong word, but it'* the quickest way to get back to a normal state, AFAIAC.

If all else fails, you should be able to get a PCMCIA network card. I don't deal with laptops much, so I don't even know if PCMCIA is still the standard - but there should be an accessory slot for things like this.

Also, it'* been my experience that you have to be VERY firm when wanting to get a replacement. I once bought a pair of floor speakers from BB, very expensive, and they shot craps with no abuse.

I'd bought the extended warranty as they told me I could bring the speakers back if they went bad, and get an exchange on the spot.

So I brought them back - and was told I'd have to wait 4 weeks for shipment. I let them know I wasn't leaving the store until I had a pair of new speakers of equal or greater value than what I purchased and for which I had the extended warranty.

It took about 20 minutes of "spirited" discussion, but I got my speakers.

Also, i recently upgraded to Vista Business because of many issues with my previous XP installation. Have had problems from XP all though my time with Vista...

I just took it to Best Buy and spoke to the Geek Squad guys. They wanted to send it out to the repair center again for their diagnostics... i gave them a hard time about that. Long story short the manager won't honer the no lemon policy without the required 4th hardware failure... I have three already and this is the fourth but THEY have to be able to verify it before they give up another computer. I talked the manager into keeping it In store rather then send it out and try and troubleshoot it himself. we'll see how it goes. hopefully i get a phone call telling me to come get another computer.

yup yup... i've tried several computers on our network, and my computer on several other networks all with the same results... also have reset the router here. Well... one way or another i WILL get this taken care of...